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Smith clarifies comment on new leaders, old friend

Former Redskins offensive coordinator Sherman Smith on Saturday clarified a recent comment he made about the organization's new leaders, saying he did not intend to be critical of previous head coach Jim Zorn.

In an interview Thursday, Smith, whom new Washington Coach Mike Shanahan did not retain, said he had hoped to remain on the staff "because I believe Mike and [new General Manager] Bruce Allen are going to do a great job together for the Redskins. I really think [owner] Dan Snyder has made some excellent choices in the people he picked to run the organization. The Redskins have a chance now. I believe that."

Judging by comments on the Insider, some Redskins observers perceived Smith's quote to be a shot at Zorn, who was fired Jan. 4. Even a member of Smith's family phoned him to talk about the quote, which prompted Smith to contact Zorn, one of his closest friends, to make sure Zorn was not similarly concerned.

"Jim understood what I was trying to say. I absolutely did not mean anything bad about Jim," Smith said in a phone interview. "In no way was I trying to say that with Jim Zorn as our head coach, it didn't give us a chance to win. That's not what I meant at all."

Smith, an NFL running back for nine seasons, and Zorn were rookie starters together with the expansion Seattle Seahawks in 1976. From 1995 through 2007, Smith coached running backs under Tennessee Titans Coach Jeff Fisher. Smith left Tennessee for Washington, in large part, for the opportunity to help his friend try to restore the Redskins to prominence, he said.

Although Zorn called plays during the 2008 season, Smith played a major role in the offense as the Redskins went 8-8. When Zorn was stripped of play-calling duties in October in favor of consultant Sherman Lewis, Smith's role was expanded to include calling plays in the running game. Washington went 4-12 this season.

"I came to Washington to work with Jim and to help the Redskins get back to that championship level, which was something I experienced with Tennessee," said Smith, who is under contract through the 2010 season. "It was disappointing that we couldn't accomplish everything we wanted to do as a staff, but we all worked hard and gave it everything we had.

"But Jim did a great job. He did everything he could have to help put us in the best possible position. Just the type of person Jim is, you know you're not going to get anything but his best every day. He's going to be an excellent head coach. I hope he gets another opportunity."

Why does everything having to do with Jim Zorn have to sound like a baby seal is being clubbed? He's a good guy who didn't succeed at this level; he and Sherman Smith were friends then and are now. Go in peace, guys; thanks for giving it your best. Hope you have lots of success in your future.

Judging by comments on the Insider, some Redskins observers perceived Smith's quote to be a shot at Zorn, who was fired Jan. 4. Even a member of Smith's family phoned him to talk about the quote, which prompted Smith to contact Zorn, one of his closest friends, to make sure Zorn was not similarly concerned.

Don't forget Bridges was in the Skins 09 Camp and Coach Zorn or Vinny [not sure whom] cut him and he has started for the Cards this season.
I imagine Coach Shanahan would rather have Bridges than some of the guys he has...

Why go for Spiller when the real thing may be available this off season? Reggie Bush will count big against the Saints' cap next season and may be cut. Obviously if he keeps this up they will find a way to keep him but I think he would be a good acquisition for the skins provided they dont pay him like Portis.

i lived in New Orleans until Katrina. i visit family and friends as often as i can. you simply are TOTALLY CLUELESS as to the profound impact this event had on ordinary citizens. even today, over 4 years later, there are still large swaths of the city that remain devastated. why ? there isnt money enough in the US Treasury to completely rebuild the city without taking money away from vital other programs for the rest of the nation. the cost of just fixing the water/sewerage system is 5 BILLION Dollars..

the reason the disaster happened in the first place is because of decades of neglect, delayed repairs, political corruption and the price louisiana has paid for the loss of rebuilding silt that, because of levees on the Mississippi River,
get deposited past the continental shelf into the deep Gulf.Subsidence happens..Wetlands are lost..Hurricanes happen.

but we get it.. you have heard enough about it.. better for you than for the citizens of New Orleans. Damn shame there is just so much ignorance around..

Why go for Spiller when the real thing may be available this off season? Reggie Bush will count big against the Saints' cap next season and may be cut. Obviously if he keeps this up they will find a way to keep him but I think he would be a good acquisition for the skins provided they dont pay him like Portis.

Posted by: KingJoffeJoffer | January 16, 2010 7:00 PM | Report abuse

There will be no cap next year. The question will be whether or not the 8 million he's due. My guess is they work something out with some guarantees on that 8 million spread out over time. If not, he ran like the USC days today and may have earned himself a nice payday if he keeps it up.

If there's no rookie wage scale, teams won't be moving heaven and earth to move into the top 5. Unless someone other than the Skins has targeted Bradford or Jimmy C as the savior, the Skins will pick 4th for sure.

"Nothing against Zorn...he just took a job that was way over his head."

If you got hired as an assistant manager at Burger King and then they wanted to make you head manager... tell me you wouldn't take it!

Posted by: Dorf | January 16, 2010 7:58 PM |

at least i wouldn't take on mgr/2 asst mgr/head flipper all at once. i would be smart enough to find assistants and let them do their job while i learned mine. he was hired to be the OC, it looked like he had 15 plays and a neat colored chart. after a few games, all DC's had our gameplan down pat. nice guy. ok i give you that. top qb coach. not so sure. OC way over his head. HC not a chance.

Guess I struck a nerve there. You are ceretainly right about one thing corruption in government, before and after the hurricane. That and planning. Personally, I wouldn't build my home ten feet below sea level in a hurricane zone even if the levies were constructed yesterday. I will be in NO in a few weeks, and I will get a look at the devastation first hand. Perhaps we should be finishing the job there rather than sending money to Haiti?? $5 Bil is chump change compaired to the money this admin. is spending right now. Good luck to your family, hope it works out for them.

I'm certainly capable of being wrong about this, but if no one wants to jump up to # 4 I certainly don't want to draft one of the QBs.
I hope they have a great player at OL available.
DT Sugh will be long gone I imagine...

I still recall the 1981 draft how disappointed I was when we traded down from #9 to #20. I was a Senior in HS and thought why did we do that?

But during the 82 season I certainly wasn't questioning that great draft!!

I've watched Okung about a half dozen times over the past two seasons. He reminds a little of Samuels but meaner. He not a 335 pounder and appears to have good movement. It would start making me believe change is coming for the good if he was our top choice over a couple of Junior QB's.

I will be in NO in a few weeks, and I will get a look at the devastation first hand. Perhaps we should be finishing the job there rather than sending money to Haiti?? $5 Bil is chump change compaired to the money this admin. is spending right now. Good luck to your family, hope it works out for them.

Posted by: msrent | January 16, 2010 8:06 PM

It's always interesting to read what the people who don't think are thinking.

If there's no rookie wage scale, teams won't be moving heaven and earth to move into the top 5. Unless someone other than the Skins has targeted Bradford or Jimmy C as the savior, the Skins will pick 4th for sure.

Suh is number one and McCoy is 2. McCoy may actually be a better player than Suh in the pros. I don't see 330 lb NFL guards getting thrown around like that by a rookie next year. With that being said, they're off the board by 4 for sure. The Bucs need a DT in the worst way and there's no way the Rams are taking a junior QB at 1 with Spags as their coach.

Suh is number one and McCoy is 2. McCoy may actually be a better player than Suh in the pros. I don't see 330 lb NFL guards getting thrown around like that by a rookie next year. With that being said, they're off the board by 4 for sure. The Bucs need a DT in the worst way and there's no way the Rams are taking a junior QB at 1 with Spags as their coach.

Don't get me wrong, I would love to trade back. There are a lot of solid O line prospects this year. I just don't think its very realistic, that's all. Maybe Buffalo thinks the world of Bradford or Jimmy C. and is willing to give up their pick and a second? Maybe swap their 4th for our 5th to sweeten the deal? God knows they need a franchise QB and they think one of those guys is the real deal?

Living in Tampa, gotta say that's the best football show out there. Don't get too much Skins talk, but its better than the crap spewed out here. They're still talking about firing Gruden! That's how outta touch Tampa fans are.

no offense meant to anyone, and i truly hope that you (msrent) have a wonderful time in NOLA..that is one thing you can still do to help. it is still easy to have a wonderful time, and the food and music is as great as ever. frankly, that is what is keeping the city going right now- tourism.

the airport is actually in Kenner, which is west of Metairie, but the other poster was correct in that most of the severe damage missed the suburban areas.

i would also question our national priorities
even though the people of Haiti truly need our help now. we have much "nation building" that should be going on at home, rather than around the globe.

way too complex for short blog answers, but the people of New Orleans have been betrayed by the corruption of their own elected leaders, the Federal government, their own laziness and stupidity (yes, some of it is their/our fault), and their stubborn refusal to live anywhere else other than a city that is below sea level. still, nobody tells the citizens of the Bay Area to live elsewhere because we all know it is only a matter of time before an earthquake occurs..

We all need to hang together. but i can tell you that for so many of us, Katrina is a wound that never heals..

Shally;
I think we are more in agreement than not. My office will be in Houston, but I have a satellite office under me not far from NO. So my wife and I will be spending many weekends there in the coming years, I predict. We love good food & drink and I can't think of many places better for that.

Before his 2 TD passes before the end of the half, Peyton was sucking it up. I'm sure you just saw that terrible INT he just threw. He was lucky that Garcon bailed him that time. He almost started digging his grave again. Also, if you did not check, up to this game, Peyton is only 7-8 in the playoffs. Hence the name Typical Playoff Manning. With his skills, Peyton should be well over .500.

---------------

My answers of why some on here seem to have no clue are answered if given enough time.

They would really have to want someone bad at the #4 slot to make that trade

Posted by: noonefromtampa | January 16, 2010 10:11 PM

If the Bills want a QB, they should move ahead of the Skins to either #2 or #3. The Browns and Seahawks will be looking for a QB as well. The Skins will be thinking that way as well, so hopefully two teams move up before #4 to get Clausen and Bradford, leaving the Skins to choose between Okung, McCoy, and Berry (assuming Suh goes #1).

Before his 2 TD passes before the end of the half, Peyton was sucking it up. I'm sure you just saw that terrible INT he just threw. He was lucky that Garcon bailed him that time. He almost started digging his grave again. Also, if you did not check, up to this game, Peyton is only 7-8 in the playoffs. Hence the name Typical Playoff Manning. With his skills, Peyton should be well over .500.

Posted by: MyPostIDisAfake

Are you kidding? If he's busting Peyton's chops, no Skins QB will ever be worth Sh!t to him.

We have to build from the lines out. Berry might be an all world talent (ala Ed Reed), but I'd take a crafty veteran FS like Sharper and a 10 year LT like Okung over Berry and some free agent tackle stopgap.

Of course I'm busting Peyton's chops for his playoff performances. He's mediocre in the playoffs. That's a fact. Would I still want Peyton on my team? Absolutely. Is he guaranteed to perform well in the playoffs like he is in the regular season? Absolutely not.

----------------------------------

Are you kidding? If he's busting Peyton's chops, no Skins QB will ever be worth Sh!t to him.

We have to build from the lines out. Berry might be an all world talent (ala Ed Reed), but I'd take a crafty veteran FS like Sharper and a 10 year LT like Okung over Berry and some free agent tackle stopgap.

Posted by: rich20ssu | January 16, 2010 10:46 PM

However, if through FA the OL can be addressed, then Berry might be the right pick w/OL in the 2nd rd.

IF both DT's are gone, I think its highly unlikely Berry slips by Tampa. Morris is a DB guru and would love a talent like Berry to tinker with. 3 could be a spot Buffalo tries to move up to if they think the Skins are eyeballing one of their QB prospects. Again, Buffalo doesn't have a HC yet, so this post is merely conjecture.

We have to build from the lines out. Berry might be an all world talent (ala Ed Reed), but I'd take a crafty veteran FS like Sharper and a 10 year LT like Okung over Berry and some free agent tackle stopgap.

Posted by: rich20ssu | January 16, 2010 10:46 PM |

What I'm saying is if Okung is gone at #2 to the Lions, and Berry is there at #4, with no trade down options, I'd make that pick.

The Colts safety, Bethea was from Howard right? How'd we let that one slip through the cracks? Oh well...

Favre needed time to figure out what do with his career. He pulled the Packers out of the toilet and carried them on his back for almost 2 decades. He earned that right. With that being said, I'm a big Rodgers fan and think he's a top 5 QB with a bright future.

Zorn may have been inexperienced, but I doubt
any top coach could have done much better with a BAD O LINE..BEFORE THEY ALL GOT HURT.
He ended up pulling players off the street.
Bad drafting over a number of years, plus handing out huge contracts to players that did not make a significant impact on the success of the team.

Why should we draft a defensive player with the #4r pick...when we have a terrible O line..and lost Samuels to injury?

What I'm saying is if Okung is gone at #2 to the Lions, and Berry is there at #4, with no trade down options, I'd make that pick.

Posted by: TWISI | January 16, 2010 10:54 PM | Report abuse

Doubtful the Lions pick Okung at 2. Their D was soft as butter last season (except against us) and McCoy could be Scwartz's new AH. If there is no Okung and its either Berry or one of the junior QB's, I'm with you, take Berry. No chance of that happening though, and we both know it.

4-10 for 37 yards last week is not my definition of "average". But agree 1000% with the advice to Allen. Except that Allen is the finance guy and not a talent evaluator. Shanahan will make the picks and Allen will hammer out the contracts.

4-10 for 37 yards last week is not my definition of "average". But agree 1000% with the advice to Allen. Except that Allen is the finance guy and not a talent evaluator. Shanahan will make the picks and Allen will hammer out the contracts.

Posted by: rich20ssu

I gave him the credit for a decent regular season but he was AWFUL in the playoffs. Hopefully, its a collaborative effort in making the picks. Shanny's picks and free agent aquisitions haven't been the best.

Doubtful the Lions pick Okung at 2. Their D was soft as butter last season (except against us) and McCoy could be Scwartz's new AH. If there is no Okung and its either Berry or one of the junior QB's, I'm with you, take Berry. No chance of that happening though, and we both know it.

Posted by: rich20ssu | January 16, 2010 11:02 PM |

I don't know, you have a franchise QB and you don't draft the franchise LT? Would you accept that from the Skins?

The Lions gave up 43 sacks only 3 less than the Skins. They gave up 95 QB hits, the exact same amount as the Skins. Why wouldn't they have OL as a priority just like the Skins? Throw in the fact that they have a franchise QB in the house.

Anyway, assuming Suh #1, G McCoy #2, the Bucs should go Berry or Okung, then the Skins should get the sloppy seconds.

Mark my words, the Ravens will be heading to worse times in the coming seasons as the loss of Rex Ryan continues to affect this team. Kudos to John Harbaugh for two playoffs in his first two years, but his offense is not that good and as his D continues to decline, so will the team, in spite of their OL.

REDSKINS should trade down to #8 with OAKLAND when GERALD McCOY falls to the four slot because OKUNG is off the board at that point. REDSKINS pick up their second in return. Trade with San Francisco[HAYNESWORTH] for a first and sixth this year, and a third next.

There are A LOT of really good looking OT's in this draft. I think with the #4 pick in the draft you go for a game changer. Someone on O who can score anytime he touches the ball, or on D someone who can take over a game and dominate the opposing O. Guys like:

Spiller seems like the type on O
Rolanda McLain (MLB) seem like the type on D
I don't need McCoy or Suh at #4 if I'm switching to a 3-4

Personally, If I could trade back about 6-10 spots and pick up another second rounder plus, or a third and a 4th, I would do it.

Gotta figure our 5th pick in the 2nd round will get us either Bruce Campbell, Kyle Calloway, Selvish Capers or Ciron Black at OT, and that would be just fine.

REDSKINS should trade down to #8 with OAKLAND when GERALD McCOY falls to the four slot because OKUNG is off the board at that point. REDSKINS pick up their second in return. Trade with San Francisco[HAYNESWORTH] for a first and sixth this year, and a third next.

Read a few comments... First off I think Zorn was sabotaged from the get go. When you got a chimp like Cerrato running personnel your screwed. We'll never know how his system coulda worked with a competent GM. No system will work without a Line. Be that as it may it was definitely time for a change of guard from the top down. I think if we continue to resolve some OL issues in FA, I think we should take CJ Spiller with our 1st round pick, he's just a guy you dont pass up on(See the other CJ- Chris Johnson). But at the same time this is a really weak draft for OL; Russell Okung, who by size literally fits Shanahan's perfect mold for OL, would be one of the only few good choices that could translate to a starter. Lastly, looking at Shanahan previous drafts in Denver he took an OL twice, at most 3 times, in the first round.

Read a few comments... First off I think Zorn was sabotaged from the get go. When you got a chimp like Cerrato running personnel your screwed. We'll never know how his system coulda worked with a competent GM. No system will work without a Line. Be that as it may it was definitely time for a change of guard from the top down. I think if we continue to resolve some OL issues in FA, I think we should take CJ Spiller with our 1st round pick, he's just a guy you dont pass up on(See the other CJ- Chris Johnson). But at the same time this is a really weak draft for OL; Russell Okung, who by size literally fits Shanahan's perfect mold for OL, would be one of the only few good choices that could translate to a starter. Lastly, looking at Shanahan previous drafts in Denver he took an OL twice, at most 3 times, in the first round.

Just be a man and say "We sucked and did not deserve our $millions earned on the job!". Instead, they are just worried about feeling hurt and connections lost despite already earning enough $$ versus what an average worker in America can make in a life time. I have no sympathy for these useless, productionless greedy Bstards!

Just be a man and say "We sucked and did not deserve our $millions earned on the job!". Instead, they are just worried about feeling hurt and connections lost despite already earning enough $$ versus what an average worker in America can make in a life time. I have no sympathy for these useless, productionless greedy Bstards!

Posted by: JohnWWW | January 17, 2010 7:35 AM |

JohnWWW! Go look at the bottle again! I'm pretty sure that it says "Take two pills." This is what happens when you take eight pills. Get the dosage right before your friends wake up!

The point about excessive mention of Hurricaine Katrina is a valid one.

However, the point is not about whether we empathize with the suffering of the citizens of New Orleans or appreciate the impact that the hurricaine had on the lives of millions of people. Surely, we all do. It was a terrible tragedy.

The issue is that the NFL and it's partners constantly exploit the tragedy to advertise their brand. It's slick advertising wrapped in the cloak of nobility.

We're boys, but freaking WOW. That would be a dream come true much like a Jessica Biel and Alba sandwich.

Posted by: Diesel44 | January 17, 2010 1:09 AM | Report abuse

REDSKINS should trade down to #8 with OAKLAND when GERALD McCOY falls to the four slot because OKUNG is off the board at that point. REDSKINS pick up their second in return. Trade with San Francisco[HAYNESWORTH] for a first and sixth this year, and a third next.

edvar is right. There is no truth, way, and light this year. Practically all the cards are on the table. I didn't even mention the possibility of PORTIS being traded for picks. But I'm sure ALLEN will.

All of this "road to the Super Bowl" hype depends upon whether SNYDER has finally learned to keep his hands off his now rusty, bent toy, and on SHANAHAN's willingness to turn over responsibility for the defensive personnel decisions to someone who knows what the hell they are doing.

All of this "road to the Super Bowl" hype depends upon whether SNYDER has finally learned to keep his hands off his now rusty, bent toy, and on SHANAHAN's willingness to turn over responsibility for the defensive personnel decisions to someone who knows what the hell they are doing.

Unless there is a guy a team is dying to take, it's hard to trade out of a #4 spot. Since we need so many things, you have to pick the best player available. I would love for us to pick up Suh, but no way in hell he's there at #4.

Spiller is not a top 10 pick but he's a triple threat with the run, pass catching and kick returning.

I hope Farve and Minnisota have a great game today and shut the "girls" down!
I work with a guy who is a huge cowgirl fan, his name is Dallas. This guy has gave me hell all year about the Skins.
I just hope Tuesday is a little payback and I can talk about how bad the boys got played.
Anyway Im just tired of the Cowboy talk on the radio and TV..These guys just talk like the game has already been played.
I love the Skins...But i think we all have a little Viking in us for one day!

With the 2007 NFL draft rapidly approaching, fans and analysts are wondering if any of the top teams will make a blockbuster trade on draft day, involving any of the top five picks.

If you're one of these people, you can exhale and stop wondering. The chance of any of the NFL teams possessing top five selections - Oakland, Detroit, Cleveland, Tampa Bay and Arizona - trading down is slim.

Although most fans believe that trading a top choice is relatively easy, it is actually a very difficult proposition. Sure, the value of the top pick in the NFL draft may be extremely high, but the amount of salary that must be paid to any player selected in this spot is equally large.

So, in most cases, money becomes the primary issue. If a team in a lower position in the first round has salary cap problems, that team won't be too eager to move up and add potentially millions of dollars more in salary, even with the rookie minimum active salary, which helps teams compensate to some degree on draft day.

I think the Redskins actually have the skill players to succeed next year, they need to strengthen their O-Line, big time. Campbell should be here next season, but I do think the Skins need to draft another QB. I've been impressed with the QB from Central Michigan (LeFevour) as I caught him on ESPN twice this year. There doesn't appear to be any "students" of the game in this year's QB draft class, but I guess the coaches will determine that after workouts and interviews.

Russell Okung, Oklahoma State - Scouting Report
Height: 6-5. Weight: 305.
Projected 40 Time: 5.22.
Projected Round (2010): Top 5 Pick.
10/24/09: Having a very good year, but could receive some competition from Bruce Campbell to be the first left tackle off the board. It'll be hard for the Chiefs and Lions to pass up on him.

1/6/09: Russell Okung, Oklahoma State's starting right tackle, qualified for the All-Big XII First Team. I couldn't blame him if he declared early, but he could be a first-round prospect if he wats another year. There's even a chance he gets drafted toward the end of the opening round this April.

7/27/08: Played extremely well for the Cowboys as a sophomore. Russell Okung should be able to play multiple positions at the next level, as he also works out at guard.

2nd Pick:

# Maurkice Pouncey, Florida
Height: 6-5. Weight: 318.
Projected 40 Time: 5.15.
Projected Round (2010): 2.
1/12/10: Maurkice Pouncey has declared for the 2010 NFL Draft. Pouncey is a versatile player who can play center, guard and right tackle. He could be drafted early on Day 2.

Adams died early on the morning of January 17, 2010 after he was taken to the emergency room in Greenwood, SC. Early reports is that the cause of death was a heart attack, but an autopsy will be performed by a forensic pathologist in Anderson County, SC.[6]

I can pretty clearly remember people on this blog advocating we lose all of our remaining games to get a high draft pick. Now we want to trade back with the untradeable...

BTW any thoughts on Rolando McCLain at MLB with the #4 pick? If we are switching to a 3-4 D, he would be a major piece of that puzzle. Could dominate at that position for 8-10 years. Fletcher is gonna need help on the inside and this guy reminds me of Urlacher (without all the injuries, I hope)

Rolando McCLain 6-4 256 Alabama (junior) 4.6-40 - Honor roll student

Something to think about...

And before you all start freaking out about O line - I too insist we address the O line, but we have FA and picks in rounds 2 & 4 for that...

For example in the second round take either Selvish Capers 6-5 300 from WVA (the guy runs a sub-5.0 40) or Kyle Calloway from Iowa or Jason Fox from Miami

Shanny seems to have great success with running backs chosen on the second day, so if we don't grab Spiller at #4, we may survive.

Bears' defensive end Gaines Adams died this morning after he was taken to the emergency room at Self Regional Hospital in Greenwood, S.C., according to Greenwood County Coroner James T. Coursey. He was 26.

It remains unclear how or why Adams, who was the fourth overall pick in the 2007 draft out of Clemson, died. An autopsy is expected.

The Bears' traded a second-round draft pick in the 2010 draft to the Buccaneers for Adams in October. He was expected to play a big role for the Bears next season.

Coursey said Adams appeared to be in perfect health. The Greenwood Sheriff's Office and the Greenwood County Coroner's Office.

And before you all start freaking out about O line - I too insist we address the O line, but we have FA and picks in rounds 2 & 4 for that...

I think it will take a bit more than a "Hello, O-line!" at this point.

There's a reason the top Left Tackles go in the first ten picks each year, and we need to replace Chris Samuels.
~

Posted by: ifthethunderdontgetya | January 17, 2010 12:12 PM

+++

Yeah, I'm hearing you, but consider this; Shanny's prototype lineman is different then other teams, so the ones he would choose might not be in the same demand as other teams looking for Maulers. So there's a chance the guys he will want will still be around.

Having said that, Okung could very well fit his scheme, and if we took him at #4, I would stand and cheer.

In the first round, you have the chance to take a game changer, and that's something that is very difficult to get in later rounds, unlike good O linemen.

An Ulacher type MLB at 6-4 256 who has proven his dominance playing in a 3-4 scheme on the National Championship team while staying on the honor role will certainly not be found in the later rounds

not saying he did or was doing anything wrong, still say it is RARE for an elite athlete to suffer this fate. Marfan syndrome will be easy to see if that's the cause. Tragedy either way, but worlds apart in nature IMO.

I don't think Sherm was taking a shot at any of the old coaches here. He was just trying to keep his wagon hitched to the gravy train that is Dan Snyder. Sherm just wants stay in his good graces should the need for a consultant arise...again.

From PFT:
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on January 17, 2010 1:23 PM ET
The stunning passing of Bears defensive end Gaines Adams was because of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart, a Greenwood, South Carolina coroner said Sunday morning.

ESPN's Adam Schefter passed along the news.

Adams was believed to be asleep when the cardiac arrest occurred. We send his family and friends our condolences at this difficult time.

I hate the Cowboys, but love playin' in the NFC East. That's my saving grace if they win.

I had a thought on Favregh. Remember all those painkillers he was takin' during his Green Bay runs? Could the anti-inflamation properties of those have contributed to his longevity? Does he need an asterix on his career?

The stunning passing of Bears defensive end Gaines Adams was because of cardiac arrest caused by an enlarged heart

Posted by: Skins930 | January 17, 2010 1:41 PM | Report abuse

I'd bet an awful lot of money they'll find a hole between the two top chambers of his heart, atrial septal defect. The heart swells from the extra work required to get blood to the body and eventually fails.

Wow...dallas defensive end lines up offsides and somehow the refs call false start against the vikings...refs took 7 points off the board. then the cowgirls get away with a flagrant interference penalty on the next play. unbelievable.

Reid should make a new post complaining about how the Cowboys are misusing Swisham's talent and that its unfair for a team to expect him to make a FG over forty yards. But all his supporters who were up in arms when he was cut will argue: He's 18-21 ( too bad its never when it counts)

Reid should make a new post complaining about how the Cowboys are misusing Swisham's talent and that its unfair for a team to expect him to make a FG over forty yards. But all his supporters who were up in arms when he was cut will argue: He's 18-21 ( too bad its never when it counts)

Posted by: ga8085 | January 17, 2010 3:13 PM |

He had supporters? Why? I don't recall anyone saying anything but good riddance.

Sucks about Gaines Adams, poor guy. What's up with NFL players born in 1983? First Sean Taylor, then Chris Henry, now Gaines Adams?

On a lighter note, how bout Suisham missing 2? Are you watching this, JReid? I'm glad the Redskins cut him before Shanny got enamored with that ridiculous "franchise record" that JReid won't shut up about.

He had supporters? Why? I don't recall anyone saying anything but good riddance.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 17, 2010 3:16 PM | Report abuse

Oh yeah, there were numerous folks that came on here saying what a huge mistake it was to cut a guy that was 18-21. Unless it was just Reid posing as 5 different handles. Who knows..
Wow Romo, how do you throw that right to the LB? Hilarious!

Posted by misterbretty @ 2:27 PM Sun, Jan 17, 2010
That's not fair to Tony. He's trying to make a play under incredible pressure. The offensive line has been terrible. They deserve all the blame for this loss.

Posted by misterbretty @ 2:27 PM Sun, Jan 17, 2010
That's not fair to Tony. He's trying to make a play under incredible pressure. The offensive line has been terrible. They deserve all the blame for this loss.

Dallas fans can brag all they want about how they win more games, are more talented and go to the playoffs more than us. But the bottom line is they always end up the same place as us... at home! HAHA! COwboys suck!!! And tony romo chokes during the big games!! =)

Jerry Jones looked like he wanted to cut a QB and fire some coaches on the sideline shot.

Posted by: HPYTRKR1 | January 17, 2010 3:45 PM

If I'm Suissham, I'm not making eye contact with JJ. In fact, I'm not making eye contact with anyone. I'm going out the stadium in my uni and call a cab. Selling that uni on eBay will be his last NFL money.

I'm curious to hear what Suisham will have to say. Not that him making two field goals would've really made a difference with the outcome. He's a horrible kicker but he doesn't want to believe it. Where are all the people crying over Suisham getting cut? He's a horrible kicker! But Suisham would tell you he's the most accurate kicker in Redskins history!!!

Jerry is looking forward to the 2011 work stoppage.
Do we get to sue the Skins for our season ticket refunds that year?
===================================
Jerry Jones looked like he wanted to cut a QB and fire some coaches on the sideline shot.

Jerry Jones gonna lock himself in his new stadiumopolis and call people into his office one at a time, look at them and say "YOU'RE FIRED". then hes gonna try to get a tv show out of it.....oh wait they've already done that. lololololololol

Jerry,
Please give Wade another chance by extending his Contract.. PLEASE..
Oh, and by the way, thanks for locking the Girls into Romo for the next 5 YEARS!!!

Posted by: SkinsneedaGM | January 17, 2010 4:17 PM |

And, while you're at it, give the guy, Suissham another two or three years to develop. He's right on the cusp of becoming one of the greats and it you cut him now you'll regret it the rest of your life, and more than you regret that face you bought.

Here is the rule so Dallas is still restricted just not as much as they would have been if they won.

"The rule will restrict the final eight teams in the playoffs from signing free agents. The final four teams shall not be permitted to negotiate and sign any unrestricted free agent to a player contract except for players who acquired their status by being cut or were on the final four team when their contract expired. Playoff teams five thru eight get a break to sign one player with a salary of $4,925,000 or more and any number of players with a first-year salary of no more than $3,275,000 and an annual increase of no more than 30 percent in the following years.

Man, what a bunch of awful games.
The CowPies losing big was the only redeeming thing about this one.
Getting depressing, though, there are only four games left, and how many of them will be disappointing?

Does Fox have the NFC Championship??
Hope not.. Cant stomach another 3 hours of Buck and Aikman..
Fox needs to have a rule that former players should not be commentators for games that include their former team.. The obvious Bias is an entertainment buzz kill.

I'm not worried about winning games next year. I look to see an improvement on the talent of the team, and see a well coached, well prepared group that plays together like a real NFL team. I want to see the Oline be put in place to set up a 4-6 year run of dominance starting in years 2-3. If this happens, Redskins will win more games next year automatically.

Maybe things don't play out any differently, but Shaun Suisham's misses from 48 and 49 yards took a lot of life out of the Cowboys Sunday.

The missed 48 yarder on the second drive of the game prevented the Cowboys from taking a 3-0 lead and the 49 yarder that was wide left could have made it 17-6. Again, in a 34-3 loss maybe that doesn't mean much, but at the time they were costly.

"I guess it doesn't matter how well you hit them or how well you don't hit them if the officials don't put their hands up it doesn't matter," Suisham said.

Suisham went 4 of 7 since joining the Cowboys prior to the Dec. 27 game against Washington. He was 18-of-21 with the Redskins before he was released by Washington.

Sherman Smith should never have been hired as offensice coordinator by Zorn. Smith had no previous experience running the whole offense. He was a running backs coach. Zorn just wanted a friend on his staff but he put Smith in position in which Smith could never succeed because Zorn wanted to mastermind the offense. In this case, to an outsider, it seems as if Zorn set himself and his friend up for failure.

scamp, where in my post did i say sanchez was better and that Phillips couldn't or wouldn't lead a game winning drive?

Posted by: SkinsfaninKaneohe | January 17, 2010 6:52 PM |

Who said that is why I made the comment? I believe that is why San Diego has a better chance. That is what I believe, me, not you, I. Having said that, shows what I know. But just so you get it, I was making a statement on MY belief and the justification was for MY statement.

I think you got it backwards. I think Phillip Rivers is the better, more experienced quarterback and more likely to lead a game winning drive.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 17, 2010 6:48 PM | Report abuse

"I think you have got it backwards. Phillips is better blah blah blah"

You are quite apparently comprehensionally challenged. You can't say I have anything backwards that I have not actually said.

What i did say... that this game is following a formula where by the Jets have a chance to win, is even more true now than it was the first time I said it. Keep the score close and low scoring, win at the end. That is the best chance for the Jets to win.

I have yet to say anything re the two QBs other than to agree that Phillips is more experienced and better. He is not playing like it though.

You're obviously not very bright Kaneohe. You specifically said the game is following a formula for the Jets to win. I said I think you got it backwards. What I mean by that is that I think it is following a formula for the Chargers to win. The reason why I think that is because Phillip Rivers is better. Do you get it now? I can't make it any more easy for you.

My only beef is that you said i had it backwards... but did not say the opposite of what i said to refute my backwardness.

Chargers winning with Rivers at the end of a close game is NOT the opposite of "this game is following a formula for the Jets to win. And if you go back to my original post... i even said "not saying they will...only that this game is following a script for them to win".

...and I thought that when I said you had it bacwards you would automatically infger that I meant I thought it was going along a formula for the Chargers to win. That is the opposite of what you said so I didn't think I had to say it twice. Get it.

good thing Snyder didnt agree to giving up JC for only a 3rd rounder last March.. If so we would of been "stuck" with Sanchez..
Now, as an RFA, Skins may still only get a 3rd round compensation offer. ....
oohhh the bitter irony.. Mr. Snyder is drinking a double, right now..

The Jets don't have a top ten QB and are well positioned to get to the SB. These franchise QBs you're talking about, how many years have they been in the league. How many years did they have to wait for their team to be built before they were able to make a run into the playoffs. Conversely, we see Sanchez, Flacco, Ryan all make a run into the playoffs because their team were run first dominate OL offenses. Their defenses caused turnovers,sacks etc. I get some of you have a one track mind around here, but the holy savior QB isn't going to get the Skins anywhere near the SB next year, or there after without the OL and the running being addressed on the offense, and the defense caused more T.O and negative plays on the defense.

Saw Childress after the game comments... i think the last score had more to do with the Vikes having to put up with the entire country anointing the Pukes SB champs before the game was even played. They were out for blood, and drank lustily, LOL.

Makes sense TWIS until you try to explain Collins coming in for only 4 plays in the last Gints game (last 4 of the first half) and FAR exceeding Campbells output (ie. FOR THE WHOLE HALF), including what would of been a TD pass except for Davis dropping a perfectly thrown ball.
Same personnel (OLine, RBs, WRs) top to bottom.
===================================

The Jets don't have a top ten QB and are well positioned to get to the SB. These franchise QBs you're talking about, how many years have they been in the league. How many years did they have to wait for their team to be built before they were able to make a run into the playoffs. Conversely, we see Sanchez, Flacco, Ryan all make a run into the playoffs because their team were run first dominate OL offenses. Their defenses caused turnovers,sacks etc. I get some of you have a one track mind around here, but the holy savior QB isn't going to get the Skins anywhere near the SB next year, or there after without the OL and the running being addressed on the offense, and the defense caused more T.O and negative plays on the defense.

It doesn't matter how good your O-line/RB/WRs are if you don't have a frickin good QB to run your offense, you ain't gonna win a Superbowl!...

Posted by: Vicc | January 17, 2010 8:26 PM

Vinny, is that you? Seriously, a strong O-line and running game normally puts your QB in the top 10. Less pressure = more time and better decisions. When the Skins had a decent O-line and reliable running game for 8 games last year, JC17 looked pretty darn good.

Conversely, Tom Brady and Donovan McNabb looked pretty awful at the end of this year when facing the kind of pressure they would have seen every week as a Skins QB, behind a consitently bad line with no reliable running game.

Don't get me wrong, you need a franchise QB. You also need to protect that franchise QB, and you need to get to the other teams franchise QB to win continually. I think if you really check the trend,teams have established strengths and finding the QB is the last ingredient (Ravens, Jets, Falcons,even Vikings to some extent).

SkinsneedaGM I'm not going to get into a debate tonight. 24 is about to start. I've had our debate and you're too obsessed with this JC is the only problem position to even make debating you enjoyable.

No i don't get it because you have yet to make any sense as to my having it backwards. Get it?

Posted by: SkinsfaninKaneohe | January 17, 2010 7:34 PM |
...and I thought that when I said you had it bacwards you would automatically infger that I meant I thought it was going along a formula for the Chargers to win. That is the opposite of what you said so I didn't think I had to say it twice. Get it.

Posted by: scampbell1975 | January 17, 2010 7:32 PM

Really? This post didn't say the exact opposite of what you said? Are you retarded?

Alan4...
JC's ratings have been consistently poor the last 4 years..
I really beleive the Skins have not had that consistently poor of an OLine the last 4 years.. Yes, Given.. there have been alot of ups and downs.. injuries, etc

But, JC's QB Ratings have been bottom 10 percent of the NFL consistently. You dont get to 211th of 214 QBs in the history of NFL for TD red zone efficiency without that same consistency. (thats all the NFL QBs that have 900 or more attempts).
Or, the Skins being 3rd lowest scoring team in the past decade.. without JC behind Center the last 4 years..
====================================
alan4 wrote,
yeah..

once again a top ten QB will win the Superbowl this year.

It doesn't matter how good your O-line/RB/WRs are if you don't have a frickin good QB to run your offense, you ain't gonna win a Superbowl!...

Posted by: Vicc | January 17, 2010 8:26 PM

Vinny, is that you? Seriously, a strong O-line and running game normally puts your QB in the top 10. Less pressure = more time and better decisions. When the Skins had a decent O-line and reliable running game for 8 games last year, JC17 looked pretty darn good.

Conversely, Tom Brady and Donovan McNabb looked pretty awful at the end of this year when facing the kind of pressure they would have seen every week as a Skins QB, behind a consitently bad line with no reliable running game.

Ol' mumble mouth. He's got --what, a decade of head coaching excellence as a resume? He's never let me down. Yes, he's no Zorn, but he's nuch more Zornier than Gibbsian.

At least we can say, finally a watchable game. Three to go, hoping for two decent games.

Posted by: daggar | January 17, 2010 8:09 PM

He's worked for two of THE WORST owners in the league. The one time he had talent here, he went to the playoffs. He's been successful in SD. He's just had some bad breaks. Kaeding was the best kicker in the NFL this year. Who would have thought he would have an epic fail in this game.

F dallas -- now jerruh has to decide whether to fire wade. But how does he fire the guy who won 11 games, a division championship and their 1st playoff W in 13 years? 34-3. Love it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!

And as a bonus, I got to see Norv bite it. All things considered, twas a good day.

I believe he is in last place for all non first year NFL QBs for First Quarter QB rating (pure QB stats.. no prevent D mop up in the 4th) and the last 7 minutes of the 4th Qtr.
(From NFL.Com)
Jason Campbell 1st Qtr = 69.8
4th Qtr last 7 minutes = 61.0

The Red Zone Efficiency quote came from a Tom Boswell article....

"Out of all the 219 passers in NFL history who have thrown at least 900 passes, Campbell ranks in a five-way tie for 201st at 3.1 percent. Only 14 quarterbacks, all nonentities, rank lower."

Alan4 , you're kidding right?
According to the link you provided we are better off with Campbell then Peyton Manning?
I would love to know what games he scored those 2 TDs in? How far behind were the Skins when he threw those..??
Here is a better comparison of Manning and CAmpbell's QB Ratings in the last 7 minutes of a game.. (imagine how much lower without the mop up Prevent D stats).

4. Red Zone Efficiency. A great deal is often made of evaluating QB’s based on how well they perform in the Red Zone (inside the opponent’s 20 yard line). While these statistics do not tell the entire story, we can, in some instances, see a connection between a team’s struggles and these QB numbers.

He's worked for two of THE WORST owners in the league. The one time he had talent here, he went to the playoffs. He's been successful in SD. He's just had some bad breaks.

1) Ol' mumble mouth had SEVEN years here. "the one time he had talent". SEVEN years here.
2) Yes, successful in SD, where he's taken a 14-2 Ferrari in a division of Yugos and managed to lose him some playoff games in a lot of different ways. Even Zorn might have a fighting chance against 2xOAK, 2xDEN, 2xKC. Well, not Zorn, obviously, but someone with an ounce of competence.
3) His comment about Darrell Green is worth at least one kick straight to the groin. F-tard.
4) He's an effin CowPie.
5) A weekend where the CowPies are eviscerated and ol' mumble mouth gets kicked in the teeth == schadenfreude defined.

Moe would drafting a FS in the Ed Reed mold help turn a couple of guys to no average joes?

Posted by: TWISI | January 17, 2010 10:34 PM | Report abuse

Maybe. Our defense from '08 needed more sacks and turnovers to turn the corner, so we added big al and sackpo to bolster our solid secondary. And what happens? We get more sacks and turnovers in '09 but now the very same secondary coached by the same people turned to sh!t. And before anyone says it, I know they didn't get any help from our pathetic offense.

While the "this person makes that person a better player" discussion is fun, you could have 11 studs on D and it would be meaningless if they didn't come together and play well together as a team.

That being said, Twis, it's a long way of getting around to agreeing with you, I wouldn't mind taking Berry if we could be assured the Oline would also be sufficiently addressed. But bottom line is we have team builders wearing headsets (hopefully), and that's most important.

The more I read about Berry, the more I rikey the goods. From his wiki page:

"He currently leads all NCAA players in total interceptions, interceptions per game, interception return yards, and interceptions returned for touchdowns. Statistically, Berry is considered to be one of the most dominant defensive backs in NCAA history, often being compared to Ed Reed."

News to me, prob not to you people. Pre draft is the only time I tune in to NCAA.

He's worked for two of THE WORST owners in the league. The one time he had talent here, he went to the playoffs. He's been successful in SD. He's just had some bad breaks. Kaeding was the best kicker in the NFL this year. Who would have thought he would have an epic fail in this game.

Posted by: learnedhand1 | January 17, 2010 9:04 PM

At what point does NORV get credit for NORV'S failures? I knew this Charger team wasn't going anywhere and the reason is because Norv is their head coach. In life, there's 3 things that are certain: death, taxes, and Norv Turner's team will implode at an inopportune time.

And people who let him off the hook with the "nobody wins in Washington or Oakland" bullsh*t, stop and think about where those teams were when he got there: the Skins were just 3 years removed from a Super Bowl, the Raiders 2 years. And although both of those teams were bad the year before, they got worse when he got there. He showed steady improvement the first few years in D.C., but he plateaued at mediocrity. As much as we can lay at Snyder's feet, Norv ain't one of 'em since the vast majority of Norv's tenure came pre-Snyder.

So let's get real about who Norv is: a mediocre head coach who makes a GREAT offensive coordinator. Just because 2 idiot owners fooled themselves into thinking otherwise after his decidedly mediocre stint in Washington doesn't make it any less true.

I think Sherm Smith was referring to the GM and personnel functions likely improving a great deal under Shanahan and Bruce Allen as opposed to Vinny Cerrato.

Seems like most seasons, there's a surprise team in the NBA's final four -- last year it was AZ, now it's the Jets. Yes, San Diego imploded, like Carolina last year. Unlike Carolina, however, the Chargers are likely to come back strong next season. They have that quarterback.

LT is not LT any longer. I don't know how many times he has to struggle before we believe it. He's still capable of the occasional big game, but he can't carry the offense the way he once did. He's no longer in a class with Peterson or Chris Johnson, Steven Jackson or even his former backup, now in Atlanta.

I'm curious to hear what Suisham will have to say. Not that him making two field goals would've really made a difference with the outcome. He's a horrible kicker but he doesn't want to believe it. Where are all the people crying over Suisham getting cut? He's a horrible kicker! But Suisham would tell you he's the most accurate kicker in Redskins history!!!

No offense, Rachel, but I'm pretty sure you were one of those people. Maybe even called gano's signing "ridiculous". And I almost definitely recall you lamenting it being unfair that suisham was made a scapegoat and that he'd come back to haunt us like David Akers.

F Suisham, F Dallas, and F every team left in the tournament except New Orleans.

I just love how football analysts and other self-proclaimed "experts" fall head over heels in love with the teams that win on Wild-Card Sunday and then completely forget just why the teams that earned a bye...well, earned a bye. I mean, picking 3 out of 4 teams to upset the top-seeded teams is plain idiotic. And this year's divisonal round proved most of pundits to be just that.

Hope the Saints pull it off, the Gulf coast needs a break every once in a while.

Just curious, brownwood -- how many "football analysts and self-proclaimed 'experts'" picked 3 out of 4 teams to upset the top-seeded teams?

Posted by: League-Source | January 18, 2010 7:49 AM

I can't remember exactly who, but there were a couple ESPN talking-heads that had the Chargers over the Jets as a lock and the other three games as upsets. I'll never get why clown coaches like Norv and Wade get all this confidence while guys like Jim Caldwell and Sean Payton are supposedly chopped liver.

AdamCr: Hmmm... interesting that you are so sure you know what I thought. Well you don't have very good memory then. I criticized Suisham a lot. I went back to prove it:

I'm so over this team and their stupid decisions!

Posted by: Lisa_R | December 8, 2009 12:37 PM | Report abuse

Why is this a stupid decision? Even Tony Dungy would've cut him. This team showed they want accountability with this move. It's a smart move. I don't know what I would do if he missed another critical kick. His kickoffs have been poor as well.

Posted by: rachel216 | December 8, 2009 2:45 PM

Get over it. What use is a kicker who can't make any critical kicks? He's been poor at kickoffs as well. True that he's a nice guy but it's all about business.

Posted by: rachel216 | December 8, 2009 4:01 PM

tele1- Thanks for mentioning the 2007 playoff game vs. the Seahawks. I completely forgot about that. What a momentum killer that was. Bottom line is this guy's kickoffs are short and he can't make any clutch kicks... not to mention very SHORT clutch kicks.

Suisham's a great guy but I'm glad he's no longer our kicker.

Posted by: rachel216 | December 8, 2009 4:08 PM

Boneheaded move by Vinny and Danny. Why wasn't Laron Landry cut - now he really sucks. At least Shaun has proven himself. Maybe if the season was on the line, but for what?!!! So we could be 4-8, rather than 3-9. Great move Vinny and Danny. Proven once again what boneheaded,ignorant football people you are.

Get the hell out of this town!

Posted by: cfrazier91

Shaun's proven himself in what way? He's never been able to make a clutch kick when he's had the opportunity...

If we were to cut Laron, who would we replace him with?

Posted by: rachel216 | December 8, 2009 4:11 PM

So next time why don't you get your facts straight before you go accusing people of saying things they never said. Trust me, I think I'd know what I said better than you.